OASC Bulletin 17
In the last bulletin, John had completed his Interview and returned to OASC Reception to wait for the next event. Then one of the Control Staff told him to go back to his accommodation to get changed into sports kit and return to Reception by 1130 hrs ready for the transport that would take the candidates to the gym to undertake the Selection Fitness Test (SFT). We pick up the scenario as John sits in Reception waiting for the transport.
At around midday, a member of the Control Staff invited the candidates to follow him onto a coach waiting outside OASC, which would take them all on a short journey to the gym. Once at the gym, the candidates were given a briefing by the Physical Education staff about the SFT in general, explaining that the minimum standards required for each of the 3 elements reflect what the ‘average’ person (by age and gender) must achieve. The briefing went on to detail the 3 individual disciplines: a 1.5 mile treadmill run, sit-ups and press-ups. The correct techniques to employ when performing the sit-ups and press-ups were demonstrated and then they were given guidance on how to pace themselves on the treadmill in order to achieve the required standard. Finally, they were told that the press-up and sit-up elements would be measured over a minute. The first group of people were called forward, which included John.
John took his position on the treadmill and looked at a guide in front of him that told him what pace to set on the treadmill to achieve the amber pass level. John knew that amber was the minimum requirement to pass the test, but he also knew that, to be as competitive as possible, he would need to run the 1.5 miles in as short a time as possible. John knew that this was one area that he had to really prepare for prior to coming to OASC as he knew that a poor result in the test would prevent him being selected. He felt that he had practised well at his local gym where he had managed to get well under the green time, as well as score highly on the press-up and sit-up elements. The test commenced and John set his initial pace from the guide. He felt good so he upped the pace. The first mile went passed and John still felt that he had reserve energy so he increased the pace further. The 1.5 mile point was coming up rapidly and his time was looking very good. As he went through the 1.5 mile point he noted his time at 9:08, which - by the assessment table in the guidance for candidate’s booklet - was classed as the standard exceeded.
With the run out of the way, John concentrated on the sit-up element next. He got into position and commenced his sit-ups at a brisk but steady pace. By the end of the period he had done 50 sit-ups; not his best effort but good enough for an achievement of green. The final element was the press-ups - John’s least favourite element! Again he took up his position and began. He started off strongly but, by the 30 second mark, was starting to struggle. He had already achieved 33 press-ups by then, so he took a couple of seconds to rest, which was allowed provided that he remained in the press-up position, back straight and knees off the floor. Then, he continued to the end of the minute period and, although his press-ups were really slow towards the end, he still managed to achieve 45, which again was good enough for an achievement of green. Overall, John was informed that he had passed to a green standard, and was delighted. After watching and waiting for the group behind to finish, he gathered up his belongings and went back to the coach and then all the candidates were driven back to the Candidates’ Mess. Once off the coach, the candidates were free to depart. John packed up his room, dropped his key off at Reception, got into his car and drove home.
Next week, we will conclude this brief journey through John’s experiences of the OASC Selection Process and what he could expect to happen next.
For more information regarding any of these areas highlighted, please contact your AFCO and they will be able to give you more detailed information regarding specific cases.
Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only.
Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers
Last edited by OASC; 16th Jul 2010 at 09:42.